Is it a urinary tract infection? How to know and where to get treated

They’re uncomfortable. They’re common, and they account for more than 8 million visits to health care providers every year. What are they? Urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections occur when germs, such as bacteria, travel up the urinary tract, affecting organs like the bladder (why UTIs are sometimes referred to as bladder infections) and causing inflammation.

As unpleasant as UTIs are, they are easily treatable. Know the signs of a UTI and what to do about a potential infection.

UTI facts & risk factors

UTIs tend to affect women more than men. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, more than half of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. This is in part due to anatomy: a woman’s urethra — the tube that allows pee, or urine, to pass from the bladder out of the body — is shorter than a man’s, which can make it easier for bacteria to enter. The Office of Women’s Health reports that these factors may also increase your risk of infection:

• Being sexually active
• Using spermicides or diaphragms for birth control
• Being pregnant
• Having certain conditions, such as diabetes or kidney stones
• Going through menopause
• Recently having a catheter (a thin tube that drains urine) placed, for example during surgery

UTI symptoms

Common symptoms of a UTI include a strong urge to pee, the presence of a burning sensation or pain when you pee, blood in the urine as well as frequent trips to the bathroom that result in little urine coming out.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care. Without proper treatment, a simple infection can develop into a more serious one, spreading to the kidneys and causing serious health complications.

Where to get treatment for UTIs

In most cases, you can get treated for a UTI without going to the emergency department. Options include contacting your primary care provider (PCP) or visiting an urgent care center. If you have an established provider at MultiCare, you can schedule a telehealth visit from the comfort of your home. If you don’t have a regular provider, you can find one using MultiCare’s Find a Doctor tool.

If you are unable to get an appointment with your PCP, or your symptoms can’t wait, an urgent care visit is also an option. MultiCare has urgent care locations across the state and both in-person and virtual visits are available.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as chills, fever, nausea, severe back pain, vomiting or shaking, then you should visit the nearest emergency department.

What brings relief & how to prevent future UTIs

Treatment for a UTI typically involves a prescription for an antibiotic. Even if you start to feel better, it’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed or the infection may not completely resolve. Your provider may prescribe additional medications to address pain or other problematic symptoms. Drinking plenty of water — which helps your body flush out the bacteria — can also support recovery.

While UTIs are common, here are steps you can take to prevent an infection from returning:

• Consistently drink fluids — if your urine is clear or pale yellow in color then you’re likely well-hydrated
• Urinate before and after sexual activity, if possible
• Fully empty your bladder when you feel the urge to go — holding it can promote the growth of bacteria
• Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom to avoid spreading bacteria from your anus to your genitals
• Avoid products like douches, “feminine hygiene” sprays and scented soaps